USC Lands Blue-Chip Edge Rusher Luke Wafle in Recruiting Victory
Colaboradores
In a significant recruiting win, Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans have secured the commitment of highly-touted defensive lineman Luke Wafle from The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey. Wafle, a four-star prospect in the 2026 class, chose USC over strong contenders like Ohio State, Penn State, Texas, and Florida.
A Coveted Recruit
Wafle, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 255 pounds, is ranked as the No. 10 edge rusher and No. 52 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. His addition further strengthens USC's already top-ranked recruiting class nationally.
Recruiting Battle
The Trojans gained momentum after Wafle's official visit to Los Angeles. While Ohio State made a late push with an increased NIL package, USC responded with a counter-offer that ultimately sealed the deal. Reports suggest Wafle's NIL package is valued between $2.2 and $2.6 million over two years.
Coaching Staff's Role
Defensive line coaches Eric Henderson and Shaun Nua, along with defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, played pivotal roles in recruiting Wafle. The coaching staff's genuine approach and focus on player development resonated with Wafle and his family.
Wafle's Impressions of USC
"The people, the development," Wafle said, highlighting the positive relationships he built with the coaching staff. He also expressed optimism about USC's future. A spring visit solidified USC's position as a top contender.
Ohio State's Missed Opportunity
Ohio State was also heavily pursuing Wafle, hoping to secure a commitment alongside Khary Wilder. Despite their efforts and NIL offer, the Buckeyes ultimately fell short. Aaron Thomas, another Ohio State target, is expected to announce his commitment next week.
What's Next for Wafle
Wafle's commitment is a major boost for USC's defense. His impressive stats from his junior year, including 53 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, demonstrate his potential impact. He is expected to be a key player for the Trojans in the coming years.
- Top defensive end prospect commits to USC
- Recruiting battle between USC and Ohio State
- NIL package played a key role